The Ecobank Group on Wednesday celebrated its eighth annual Ecobank Day, which is the Group’s flagship annual event, showing commitment and giving back to its local communities across 33 African countries.

This year’s theme is ‘Take Action Against Diabetes’ and it marks the second stage of a three-year campaign to raise awareness and help prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Thus, Ecobank has partnered with the NCD Alliance, a Geneva-based global civil network dedicated to preventing NCDs all around the world.

Ade Ayeyemi, Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, said, ‘Diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases are on the rise across Africa. Diabetes causes serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves and if not addressed quickly untimely death.

"Approximately 60% of Africans with Diabetes are unaware that they have it and at Ecobank, we are determined to raise awareness about the disease and other NCDs, as well as the importance of healthy lifestyles in preventing these diseases. We are working closely with the NCD Alliance to ensure that our three-year campaign has maximum impact in helping to save African lives."

On her part, Katie Dain, NCD Alliance CEO, said: ‘It is fantastic to see such leadership from a bank, in raising awareness of diabetes and other NCDs amongst its employees and communities.

Effectively addressing NCDs will require collaboration across all sectors, which is why we are very happy about our partnership with Ecobank. We look forward to drawing upon their expertise in financial management to train NCD civil society advocates across the African continent.’

Planned activities aimed at raising awareness about Diabetes, include informational webinars and controlled screening in strict adherence to measures outlined by various governments to combat the spread of Covid-19.

2020 Ecobank Day events are being held virtually, to ensure safety from Covid-19, and include a pan-African webinar in partnership with NCD Alliance to raise awareness about Diabetes and other NCDs, and how to address the extra challenges and stress people with Diabetes may be facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will also be a ‘Take Action Against Diabetes’ campaign on social media to assist and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours.

The Ecobank Group has announced a total contribution of about $100,000 from its affiliates across the continent.

The proceeds will go to the NCDA Solidarity Fund, which supports national and regional NCD alliances in addressing the critical needs of people living with NCDs during COVID-19

Ecobank Day is an annual event which commenced in 2013 and some of the past initiatives focused on support for orphanages, safe water management, maternal health and Malaria prevention.